Apparatus and Method for Collecting and Distributing Radiation

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides for a hybrid solar radiation collection and distribution system comprising both passive solar and active solar components, generating electric potential, generating heat, and distributing visible light to numerous endpoints.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/228,446, entitled“Apparatus and Method for Collecting and Distributing Radiation”, filedon Jul. 24, 2009, and the specification thereof is incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for collecting,transmitting, and distributing solar radiation to the interior ofstructures or to exterior facilities.

2. Description of Related Art

Currently, there is a need for inexpensive, efficient lighting forstructures and facilities, using solar energy.

Throughout the 20^(th) century, use of the sun as a source of energy hasevolved considerably. The sun was the primary source of interiorlighting for buildings during the day prior to the 20^(th) century.Eventually, however, the cost, convenience, and performance of electriclamps improved and the sun was displaced as the primary method oflighting building interiors. When solar illumination was no longer used,a revolution in the way buildings, particularly commercial buildings,were designed occurred, making them minimally dependent on naturaldaylight and almost totally dependent on artificial light. As a result,artificial lighting now represents the single largest consumer ofelectricity in commercial buildings.

During and after the oil embargo of the 1970s, renewed interest in usingsolar energy emerged with advancements in systems to introduce daylightinto interiors, hot water heaters, photovoltaics, and other types oflighting systems that did not use oil. Today, daylighting approaches aredesigned to overcome earlier shortcomings related to glare, spatial andtemporal variability, difficulty of spatial control, and excessiveillumination. In doing so, however, a significant portion of theavailable visible light is wasted by shading, attenuation, and/ordiffusing the dominant portion of daylight, i.e. direct sunlight, whichrepresents more than 80% of the light reaching the earth on a typicalday. Furthermore, the remaining half of energy resident in the solarspectrum, i.e. infrared radiation between 0.7 μm and 1.8 μm, is not usedby typical daylighting approaches. Additionally, typical approaches addto building heat gain, require significant architectural modifications,and are not easily reconfigured.

Previous attempts to use sunlight directly for interior lighting viafresnel lens collectors, reflective light-pipes, and fiber-optic bundleshave been plagued by significant losses in the collection anddistribution system, ineffective use of non-visible solar radiation, anda lack of integration with co-located electric lighting systems requiredto supplement solar lighting on cloudy days and at night.

Previous attempts at illumination within structures using solar energyhave used methods that typically collected the solar energy to chargebatteries and to power incandescent or fluorescent lighting, whichrequired electric utility power connection from the residence orbusiness. Electrical power wiring needed to be run from the main utilitypower supply, thus creating a labor intensive installation process.Running, burying, and connecting electric wire cable is time consumingand requires specialized and skilled labor.

The traditional trade-off between night-time illumination energyrequired and daytime solar energy collected has precluded using onlysolar energy and has forced inventors to also use main utility powerwith its inherent complexities of installation.

The present invention relates in general to solar energy illumination ofthe interiors of structures or exterior facilities such as roads orstadiums. The present invention relates more particularly to anillumination system that collects solar energy, transmits the infraredportion through a coil and transmits the visible light portion throughone or more transmittal lines, including but not limited to fiber opticcables or optical tubing, first to a directional light pulse deliverysystem that also is able to control the intensity of the deliveredlight. The present invention further relates to an illumination systemthat transmits the visible portion of solar radiation to a discretedirectional delivery system that includes delivery to either opticaltubes or photovoltaic devices. The present invention further relates toan illumination system that comprises an energy storage system thatprovides constant illumination to any location during both the day andthe night.

The present invention comprises a system to collect, transmit, direct,use, and store solar energy during daylight hours. The present inventionfurther comprises light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are automaticallyactivated when solar radiation is not available, such as at night orduring a cloudy day.

Novel features and further scope of applicability of the presentinvention will be set forth in part in the detailed description tofollow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in partwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of thefollowing, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a solar radiation collection anddistribution system comprising an input fiber optic cable, a lensdisposed alignedly adjacent to said cable, a mirror disposed alignedlyadjacent to said lens for reflecting a portion of radiation to a secondnonaligned lens, wherein said second lens focuses the radiation, aphotovoltaic cell movably disposed on a track and a collector targetcomprising a fiber optic cable.

The solar radiation collection and distribution system further comprisesa motor that provides the power needed to move the photovoltaic cellback and forward along the track, in order to adjust the placement ofthe photovoltaic cell at any point along the track. The photovoltaiccell is movably disposed on the track to obstruct said collector targetand alternately to provide radiation to the collector target.

The system further comprises a second lens disposed alignedly adjacentto the mirror and a second mirror disposed alignedly adjacent to thesecond lens. The mirror reflects a portion of radiation to an additionalnonaligned lens, and reflects a portion on to another aligned lens. Thenonaligned lens focuses and directs the radiation to a second collectortarget.

The system further comprises a second photovoltaic cell movably disposedon a second track. The collector target comprises a fiber optic cablethat transmits the radiation to a destination, wherein the destinationcomprises an interior room of a structure.

The system further comprises a generated radiation source; a rotatingreflective surface directing radiation to said collector target; ahigh-speed motor; and a photo sensor.

The present invention is also directed to a method of collecting anddistributing solar radiation comprising disposing a lens alignedlyadjacent to an input fiber optic cable; disposing a mirror alignedlyadjacent to the lens; reflecting a portion of radiation to a secondnonaligned lens; focusing the radiation; moving a photovoltaic cell on atrack; and blocking and unblocking a collector target. The methodfurther comprises providing a motor for moving the photovoltaic cell anddisposing a second lens alignedly adjacent to the mirror.

Additionally, the present invention provides for a method of collectingand distributing solar radiation comprising: collecting solar radiation;focusing radiation into a beam onto a reflective surface; rotating thereflective surface; reflecting the beaming radiation in a circle;collecting reflected radiation with a target; and transferring thecollected radiation to an end fixture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a partof the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the presentinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose ofillustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and arenot to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of the present inventioncomprising a discrete distribution system;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention comprising theinterior of a pulsed distribution system in a horizontally alignedconfiguration;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention comprising theinterior of pulsed distribution system disposed in a vertically alignedconfiguration; and

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a large multi-story building comprisingmultiple rooms illuminated by an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Solar collection technology is currently used to generate electricpotential through photovoltaic cells, to generate heat with solar waterheating panels, and to distribute visible light via fiber optic cablesor sky lights. The embodiments of the present invention relate to animprovement on current solar collection and distribution technology. Thepresent invention provides for a hybrid solar radiation collection anddistribution system comprising both passive solar and active solarcomponents, generating electric potential, generating heat, anddistributing visible light to numerous endpoints.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of the present inventioncomprising discrete distribution system 60, showing differentconfigurations of the embodiment. Discrete distribution system 60reduces the intensity of the light using reflective surfaces or filtersand redistributes the light into discrete amounts which can then be usedin end use devices. Another embodiment of the present inventioncomprises an assembly that stops the transmission of light when light isnot desired at an end use fixture. The assembly that stops thetransmission of light comprises a photovoltaic cell that collects thelight and transmits the light to a storage cell comprising a battery.

FIG. 1 is a top view of discrete distribution system 60 comprisinglenses 62A, 62B, and 62C; mirrors 64A, 64B, 64C, and 64D; lenses 63A,63B, 63C, and 63D; and photovoltaic cells 65A, 65B, 65C, and 65D. Inputfiber optic cable 61 transfers input electromagnetic radiation 68 from asolar collector. Motors, preferably high-speed motors 69A, 69B, 69C and69D provide power to move photovoltaic devices 65A, 65B, 65C, and 65D ontracks 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D, respectively, to obstruct optic cables orto provide access of radiation 68 to optic cables. High-speed motors69A, 69B, 69C and 69D preferably operate at greater than 80 Hz or 3,000rpm.

Lens 62A focuses and transfers electromagnetic radiation 68 to mirror64A, which reflects a portion of the radiation to lens 63A and transmitsa portion of the electromagnetic radiation to lens 62B. The presentinvention provides for the portion of radiation transferred andreflected to be varied by varying placement of the mirrors and the lens,and alternately by varying the types of lenses and mirrors. Lens 63Afocuses the radiation reflected from mirror 64A and transmits it asfocused radiation 52A to fiber optic cable 66A, which since it isunobstructed by photovoltaic cell 65A absorbs radiation 52A. Fiber opticcable 66A then transmits a portion of the radiation to a destination.The destination comprises a room, an outside facility, or any otherstructure or facility where light is desired.

Alternately, lens 62B focuses electromagnetic radiation 68 that istransmitted through lens 62A and mirror 64A onto mirror 64B, whichreflects a portion of the electromagnetic radiation to lens 63B, whichfocuses the radiation reflected from mirror 64B and transmits it asfocused radiation 52B to fiber optic cable 66B. Motor 69B which ispowered by electricity flowing through circuit 47B moves photovoltaiccell 65B on track 74B. Photovoltaic cell 65B obstructs fiber optic cable66B and thus blocks the transmittal of radiation through the fiber opticcable. Photovoltaic device 65B creates power output 67B.

Lens 62A, mirror 64A, lens 62B, mirror 64B, and mirror 64C transmit aportion of electromagnetic radiation 68 to lens 62C. Mirror 64C reflectsa portion of electromagnetic radiation 68 to lens 63C which focuses andtransmits reflected radiation 52C to fiber optic cable 66C. Fiber opticcable 66C is not obstructed by photovoltaic device 65C Motor 69B whichis powered by electricity flowing through circuit 47B moves photovoltaiccell 65B. Electricity flowing through circuit 47C powers motor 69C whichmoves photovoltaic cell 65C on track 74C. Fiber optic cable 66Ctransmits a portion of the radiation to a destination. The destinationcomprises a room, an outside facility, or any other structure orfacility where light is desired.

Lens 62C focuses transmitted electromagnetic radiation onto mirror 64D,which reflects electromagnetic radiation 68 to lens 63D. Lens 63Dfocuses the previously reflected radiation and transmits radiation 52Dto photovoltaic device 65D. Motor 69D which is powered by electricityflowing through circuit 47D moves photovoltaic cell 65D on track 74D.Photovoltaic cell 65D obstructs fiber optic cable 66D and thus blocksthe transmittal of radiation through the fiber optic cable. Photovoltaicdevice 65D creates power output 67D.

The present invention comprises discrete distribution system 60providing electromagnetic radiation input from a collector andsubsequently transferring the electromagnetic radiation to a pluralityof devices and locations as desired.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention comprising discretedistribution system 60 disposes the mirrors, lens, photovoltaic devices,and optic cables illustrated in FIG. 1 on a plurality of tracks. Motorstranslate the plurality of mirrors, lens, photovoltaic devices, andoptic cables in a controlled fashion. The mirrors, lens, photovoltaicdevices, and optic cables of the present invention are alternatelydisposed in any number of alternate desired configurations.

Another embodiment of the discrete distribution system 60 of the presentinvention rotates the mirrors, lens, photovoltaic devices, and opticcables about a fixed axis by motors and maximizes efficiency and outputand distributes light to any desired location and at any desiredintensity.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises filters disposedadjacent to the fiber optic cables. The filters produce a plurality ofcolors of light at fixtures installed at desired locations.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention comprising theinterior of pulsed distribution system 70 in a horizontally alignedconfiguration of the embodiment.

Pulsed distribution system 70 and discrete distribution system 60 arepreferably disposed in discrete containers in a vacuum for optimum lighttransference efficiency.

Pulsed distribution system 70 preferably receives radiation comprisingconcentrated visible light from a solar collector system. The collectortracks the sun using a separate photovoltaic collector, battery pack,tracking circuit, and tracking motors. A photo sensor measures theintensity of the visible light as it is being collected at the collectorsurface. A control circuit that is linked to the photo sensor and toLEDs or any other type of artificial lighting source located in pulseddistribution system assembly 70 controls light generated by LEDs or anyother type of artificial lighting source to supplement or replace thevisible light portion of the solar radiation collected, and thus aconstant light intensity is preferably maintained at the end use device,in case of cloud cover or nightfall. The concentrated light ispreferably transferred using fiber optic cables or optical tubing topulsed distribution system 70.

Pulsed distribution system 70 comprises an efficient system thatdelivers needed or desired light intensity to a plurality of selectedlocations. Solar radiation is collected and distributed through pulseddistribution system 70 that preferably comprises a controller thatcontrols the distribution and intensity of light at one centralizedpoint which eliminates the need for individual controls and emittersassociated with multiple individual end fixtures. The emitters areavailable in a plurality of shapes and are replaceable. The emitters areavailable in a plurality of colors and hues and are comprised ofmaterials including but not limited to optically clear plastic andsilica. The emitters comprise a ceramic material or anotherlight-diffusing media providing uniform light dispersion.

Pulsed distribution system 70 comprises lens 177 which concentratescollected radiation 50 and generated radiation 51 into a centralradiation beam that is directed to lens 75. The central radiation beamis subsequently manipulated by being reflected by rotating reflectivesurface 75. The central radiation beam is thus directed to targetoutputs such as photovoltaic cells, fiber optics, or any other lighttransferring media. Motor 175 comprising a high revolution per minute(RPM) motor directs the central radiation beam to multiple targets at afrequency greater than can be detected by the human eye. Therefore, thecentral beam of radiation comprises a source of light that isdistributed to a plurality of targets at a frequency sufficient for thelight to appear to the naked eye to be visible in multiple places at thesame time.

Pulsed distribution system assembly 70 further comprises light source 71comprising an optic tube, a fiber optic cable, or any other lighttransmittal device, which transmits light from an exterior solarcollector, not shown in FIG. 1, to the pulsed distribution systemassembly of the present invention.

Light 76 generated by other sources such as chemical, bio-chemical,electrical, or LED alternately is input into pulsed distribution systemassembly 70. Lens 177 concentrates the transmitted or generated lightinto a central radiation beam. The beam is manipulated by movement ofthe sources of the transmitted or generated light and subsequentlycreates a pulse that impinges on at least one optic tube or photovoltaiccell. The beam is also manipulated indirectly using a reflective surfacesuch as a mirror or alternately by ionizing the light beam andcontrolling it by an electromagnetic field.

Input fiber optic cable 71 is disposed connectedly to generated lighthousing 77. LED assembly 76 is disposed in generated light housing 77.Radiation 50 collected from fiber optic cable 71 along with generatedradiation 51 from LED assembly 76 is routed through and focused by lens177.

Reflective surface 75 rotates by being powered by motor 175. Reflectivesurface 75 reflects and directs radiation to fiber optic cable inputcollector or target 72A. The radiation collected by target 72A istransmitted to an end location, apparatus, or facility.

Targets 72A, 72B, 72C, and 72D comprising fiber optic cables or opticaltubing collectors transfer light focused into a beam to an end useapparatus. The end use apparatus comprises a light emitter, a lighttube, or discrete distribution system 60 illustrated in FIG. 1. Thediscrete distribution system described previously, similar to the pulseddistribution system, comprises target photovoltaic cells that are movedmechanically into the path of the radiation and generate electricitywhen light at an end destination is not needed.

Motor 175 continues to rotate reflective surface 75 and reflectsradiation to photo sensor 79 next after target 72A. Photo sensor 79verifies the intensity of the radiation reflected off of reflectivesurface 75. Photo sensor signal current 202 flows from photo sensor 79to a light intensity circuit disposed in controller 176, thus sending asignal to controller 176. Controller 176 then varies the generated light51 by controlling emitters 76 through circuit 201. At this time fiberoptic cable targets 72B, 72C, and 72D and photovoltaic devices 78A, 78B,78C, and 78D are not yet exposed to radiation reflected from reflectivesurface 75 because it has not rotated far enough.

Next, high-speed motor 175 further rotates reflective surface 75. Theradiation beam is directed to plurality of target outputs comprisingphoto-voltaic cells, fiber optics, or other light transferring media.The targets receive the radiation beam in pulses, resulting from thehigh speed motor rotating the reflective surface 75 and thus rotatingthe reflected radiation. The radiation pulses at a frequency faster thanthe naked eye can distinguish due to the high-speed motor's capabilityto rotate the reflective surface at a very high rate of speed.Therefore, the source light, both transmitted and generated, isdistributed to multiple targets in sequence at a frequency so great thatthe visible light appears, to a human eye, to be located at more thanone target at the same time. The light intensity remains constant.

Generated DC current 201 emanating from controller 176 powers generatedlight source comprising LED assembly 76. A communication signal fromphoto sensor signal current 202 verifies light intensity. Communicationsignal from current 203 generated from photo sensor 14 verifies lightintensity to controller 176.

The central radiation beam generates an electric current by placing aphotovoltaic cell 78A in the path of the reflected radiation. Motor 69Amoves cell 78A along track 74A. Current 208 is created by photovoltaiccells 78A, 78B, 78C and 78D and current 208 provides power to controller176. The electric potential is stored in batteries for later use or usedimmediately, providing power for beam manipulation, light generation, orreturned to the grid via a converter.

Photovoltaic cells 78A, 78B, 78C and 78D when disposed in the path ofthe reflected radiation provide additional electric current when the enduse device is not in use. Switch circuits 47A, 47B, 47C and 47D turn offthe current to the end use devices. Photovoltaic cells 78A, 78B, 78C and78D when moving obstruct optic cable collector targets 72A, 72B, 72C,and 72D completely and thus turn off the end use devices. AlternatelyPhotovoltaic cells 78A, 78B, 78C and 78D are disposed in variouspositions and incompletely obstruct targets and provide reduced lighttransmittal to end use devices. A dimming effect is created.

Motor control circuit comprising electric current 204 from controller 17powers motor 175. Motor control circuit comprising electric current 209powers motors 69A, 69B, 69C, and 69D. Photovoltaic cell power inputcomprising electric current 206 flows from photocells 65A, 65B, 65C, and65D disposed in discrete distribution system 60 as illustrated inFIG. 1. Communications circuit comprising signal 207 communicatesbetween discrete distribution system 60 and controller 176.

As reflective surface 75 continues to rotate, light is next reflected tofiber optic cable collector target 72B. The light transferred via outputfiber optic or optical tubing 68B is then diffused using light emittingend use devices 45, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The light emitting end usedevices are made of light diffusing material such as plastic, ceramic,glass, or any other suitable material, and are made in a shapeconfiguration similar to off-the-shelf light bulbs, light tubes, orother lighting device.

As reflective surface 75 continues to rotate, light is next reflected tophotovoltaic cell 78B which creates a current in circuit 208 when lightswitch 47B is switched off. Motor 69B moves photovoltaic cell 78Bmechanically along track 74B into the path of the reflected radiationbeam to provide additional electric current to control controller 176when an end use device is turned off.

As reflective surface 75 continues to rotate, light is next reflected tofiber optic cable collector target 72C. The light transferred via outputfiber optic or optical tubing 68C is then diffused using light emittingend use devices 45 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

As reflective surface 75 continues to rotate, light is next reflected tophotovoltaic cell 78C which creates current in circuit 208 when lightswitch 47C is switch off. Motor 69C moves photovoltaic cell 78Cmechanically along track 74C into the path of the beam to provide moreelectric current when an end use device is turned off.

As reflective surface 75 continues to rotate, light is next reflected tofiber optic cable collector target 72D. The light transferred via outputfiber optic or optical tubing 68D is then diffused using the lightemitting end use devices 45, as illustrated in FIG. 4. As reflectivesurface 75 continues to rotate, light is next reflected to photovoltaiccell 78D which creates current in circuit 208 when light switch 47D isswitched off. Motor 69D moves photovoltaic cell 78D mechanically alongtrack 74D to provide more electric current when an end use device isturned off.

As reflective surface 75 continues to rotate, and rotates a complete 360degrees, light is reflected back to photo cell 78A restarting the cycledescribed previously.

All mirrors, lens, photovoltaic devices, and optic cables in FIG. 2disposed within pulsed distribution system 70 alternately are disposedon tracks and translated in a controlled fashion by motors; alternatelyare disposed in alternate desired configurations; and alternately arerotated about a fixed axis by motors in order to maximize efficiency andoutput and to distribute light to any desired location and at anydesired intensity. In another embodiment of the present invention,filters control the color of light at end fixtures by being disposedadjacent to the fixtures.

FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.2 wherein tracks are disposed vertically, so photovoltaic cells aremoved in a direction at an angle of 90 degrees to the movement of thephotovoltaic cells on tracks illustrated in FIG. 2. The vertical trackembodiment provides for an additional number of fiber optic collectors,thus providing more light to emitters. This embodiment provides forinstallation in large structures or buildings. However, no power isgenerated unless the lights in the building are turned off.

FIG. 3 illustrates a light distribution assembly comprising input fiberoptic cable 71 disposed connectedly to LED housing 77, which containsLED assembly 76. Radiation 50 from fiber optic cable 71 and radiation 51from LED assembly 76 is routed through and focused by lens 177.

Pulsed light distribution assembly 70 further comprises reflectivesurface 75 which rotates and is powered by motor 175. Reflective surface75 reflects and directs radiation to fiber optic cable input collectoror target 72A. The radiation collected by target 72A is transmitted toan end location, apparatus, or facility.

Targets 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D, and 72E comprising fiber optic or opticaltubing collectors transfer light from pulsed distribution system 70focused into a beam to an end use apparatus. The end use apparatuscomprises a light emitter, light tube, or discrete distribution system60 illustrated in FIG. 1. An embodiment of the present invention reducesthe intensity of the light using reflective surfaces or filters. Anembodiment of the present invention redistributes the light intodiscrete amounts which are used in end use devices and fixtures, such aroom lights. Discrete distribution system 60, similar to pulseddistribution system 70, comprises target photovoltaic cells movablydisposed in the path of the reflected radiation beam to generateelectricity when light is not needed at the end facility.

Motor 175 continues to rotate reflective surface 75 and reflectsradiation to photo sensor 79, which verifies the intensity of theradiation. Photo sensor signal current 202 flows from photo sensor 79 toa light intensity circuit disposed in controller 176, thus sending asignal to controller 176. At this time, fiber optic cables 72B, 72C,72D, and 72E and photovoltaic devices 78A, 78B, 78C, 78D, and 78E arenot yet exposed to radiation reflected from reflective surface 75because reflective surface 75 has not yet rotated sufficiently.

Next, high-speed motor 175 further rotates reflective surface 75. Theradiation beam is directed to plurality of target outputs comprisingphoto-voltaic cells, fiber optics, or other light transferring media.The targets receive the radiation beam in pulses, resulting from thehigh speed motor rotating the reflective surface 75 and thus rotatingthe reflected radiation. The radiation pulses at a frequency faster thanthe naked eye can distinguish due to the high-speed motor's capabilityto rotate the reflective surface at a very high rate of speed.Therefore, the source light, both transmitted and generated, isdistributed to multiple targets in sequence at a frequency so great thatthe visible light appears, to a human eye, to be located at more thanone target at the same time. The light intensity remains constant.

Generated DC current 201 emanating from controller 176 powers generatedlight source comprising LED assembly 76. A communication signal fromphoto sensor signal current 202 verifies light intensity. Communicationsignal from current 203 generated from photo sensor 14 verifies lightintensity to controller 176.

The central radiation beam generates an electric current by placing aphotovoltaic cell 78A in the path of the reflected radiation. Motor 69Amoves cell 78A along track 74A. Current 208 is created by photovoltaiccells 78A, 78B, 78C, 78D, and 78E and current 208 provides power tocontroller 176. The electric potential is stored in batteries for lateruse or used immediately, providing power for beam manipulation, lightgeneration, or returned to the grid via a converter.

Photovoltaic cells 78A, 78B, 78C and 78D when disposed in the path ofthe reflected radiation provide additional electric current when the enduse device is not in use. Switch circuits 47A, 47B, 47C and 47D turn offthe current to the end use devices. Photovoltaic cells 78A, 78B, 78C and78D when moving obstruct optic cable collector targets 72A, 72B, 72C,and 72D completely and thus turn off the end use devices. AlternatelyPhotovoltaic cells 78A, 78B, 78C and 78D are disposed in variouspositions and incompletely obstruct targets and provide reduced lighttransmittal to end use devices. A dimming effect is created.

Motor control circuit comprising electric current 204 from controller 17powers motor 175. Motor control circuit comprising electric current 209powers motors 69A, 69B, 69C, and 69D. Photovoltaic cell power inputcomprising electric current 206 flows from photocells 65A, 65B, 65C, and65D disposed in discrete distribution system 60 as illustrated inFIG. 1. Communications circuit comprising signal 207 communicatesbetween discrete distribution system 60 and controller 176.

As reflective surface 75 continues to rotate, light is next reflected tophoto sensor 79 which measures the intensity of the light beam.Communication circuit 202 sends a signal to controller 176. Controller176 then can vary the generated light 51 by controlling emitters 76through circuit 201.

As reflective surface 75 continues to rotate, light is next reflected tofiber optic cable collector target 72B. The light transferred via outputconduit comprising fiber optic or optical tubing 68B is then diffusedusing light emitting end use devices 45, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Thelight emitting end use devices are made of light diffusing material suchas plastic, ceramic, glass, or any other suitable material, and are madein a shape configuration similar to off-the-shelf light bulbs, lighttubes, or other lighting device.

Motor 69B moves photovoltaic cell 78B along track 74B into the path ofthe reflected radiation beam to provide additional electric current whenan end use device is turned off.

As reflective surface 75 continues to rotate, light is next reflected tofiber optic cable collector target 72C. The light transferred via outputconduit comprising fiber optic or optical tubing 68C is then diffusedusing the light emitting end use devices 45 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

Motor 69C moves photovoltaic cell 78C along track 74C into the path ofthe reflected radiation beam to provide additional electric current whenan end use device is turned off.

As reflective surface 75 continues to rotate, light is next reflected tofiber optic cable collector target 72D. The light transferred via outputconduit comprising fiber optic or optical tubing 68D is then diffusedusing the light emitting end use devices 45, as illustrated in FIG. 4.As reflective surface 75 continues to rotate, light is next reflected tophotovoltaic cell 78D which creates current in circuit 208 when lightswitch 47D is switched off. Motor 69D moves photovoltaic cell 78Dmechanically along track 74D to provide more electric current when anend use device is turned off.

As reflective surface 75 continues to rotate, light is next reflected tofiber optic cable collector target 72E. The light transferred via outputconduit comprising fiber optic or optical tubing 68E is then diffusedusing the light emitting end use devices 45 as illustrated in FIG. 4.Motor 69E moves photovoltaic cell 78E along track 74E into the path ofthe reflected radiation beam to provide additional electric current whenan end use device is turned off.

As reflective surface 75 continues to rotate a full 360 degrees, lightis reflected back to photo cell 78A restarting the cycle

Pulsed distribution system 70 comprises an artificially-generated lightassembly, a transmitted light (both artificially-generated and collectedsolar radiation) assembly, an assembly that monitors the intensity ofboth artificially-generated light and collected solar radiation, anassembly for controlling artificially-generated light, and apower-generating assembly. Collected solar radiation data is constantlymonitored by sensors. The data is preferably communicated to a controlsystem that allows for artificially-generated light to supplement thecollected solar radiation if needed, in order to ensure that thetotality of light that is transmitted to an end use fixture remainsconstant in intensity over a desired time period.

All mirrors, lens, photovoltaic devices, and optic cables in FIG. 3disposed in within pulsed distribution system 70 may be disposed ontracks and translated in a controlled fashion by motors; may be disposedin alternate desired configurations; and may be rotated about a fixedaxis by motors in order to maximize efficiency and output and todistribute light to any desired location and at any desired intensity.Filters may be used to control the color of light at end fixtures.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a large multi-story building with multiplerooms illuminated by both pulsed distribution system 70 and the discretedistribution system 60 embodiments of the present invention. Multiplediscrete distribution systems 60 and pulsed distribution systems 70provide illumination to all interior rooms via end fixtures 45.

Although the invention has been described in detail with particularreference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achievethe same results. Variations and modifications of the present inventionwill be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to coverall such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of allreferences, applications, patents, and publications cited above and/orin the attachments, and of the corresponding application(s), are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

1. A solar radiation collection and distribution system comprising: aninput fiber optic cable; a lens disposed alignedly adjacent to saidcable; a mirror disposed alignedly adjacent to said lens for reflectinga portion of radiation to a second nonaligned lens, wherein said secondlens focuses the radiation; a photovoltaic cell movably disposed on atrack; and a collector target comprising a fiber optic cable.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1 further comprising a motor, wherein said motorprovides power to move said photovoltaic cell on said track.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said photovoltaic cell is movably disposed onsaid track to obstruct said collector target.
 4. The system of claim 1wherein said photovoltaic cell is movably disposed on said track toprovide radiation to said collector target.
 5. The system of claim 1further comprising a second lens disposed alignedly adjacent to saidmirror.
 6. The system of claim 5 further comprising a second mirrordisposed alignedly adjacent to said second lens for reflecting a portionof radiation to a nonaligned lens.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein saidnonaligned lens focuses and directs the radiation to a second collectortarget.
 8. The system of claim 5 further comprising a secondphotovoltaic cell movably disposed on a second track.
 9. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said collector target comprising a fiber optic cabletransmits the radiation to a destination.
 10. The system of claim 9wherein said destination comprises an interior room of a structure. 11.The system of claim 1 further comprising a a generated radiation source;a rotating reflective surface directing radiation to said collectortarget; a high-speed motor; and a photo sensor.
 12. A method ofcollecting and distributing solar radiation comprising: disposing a lensalignedly adjacent to an input fiber optic cable; disposing a mirroralignedly adjacent to the lens; reflecting a portion of radiation to asecond nonaligned lens; focusing the radiation; moving a photovoltaiccell on a track; and blocking and unblocking a collector target.
 13. Themethod of claim 12 further comprising providing a motor for moving thephotovoltaic cell.
 14. The method of claim 12 further comprisingdisposing a second lens alignedly adjacent to the mirror.
 15. A methodof collecting and distributing solar radiation comprising: collectingsolar radiation; focusing radiation into a beam onto a reflectivesurface; rotating the reflective surface; reflecting the beamingradiation in a circle; collecting reflected radiation with a target; andtransferring the collected radiation to an end fixture.